Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies

Soft, puffy, melt-in-your-mouth sugar cookies, with touches of vanilla, cherry, and almond, and a thick cherry-almond icing! These Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies are guaranteed to be a smash hit for the holidays. Perfect for gatherings or as a delightful treat at home, these cookies are simple to make, foolproof, and a batch goes a long way.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of cherry and almond creates a unique and delicious taste that everyone will adore.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and common ingredients, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: These cookies are ideal for holidays, parties, or simply when you crave something sweet.
• Versatile Icing Options: The thick cherry-almond icing allows for customization; you can adjust sweetness or add toppings as desired.
• Makes Plenty: This recipe yields 48 cookies—great for sharing with friends and family!

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making your Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies, gather your tools. Having everything ready will streamline your baking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: Saves time and ensures thorough mixing of ingredients for the perfect cookie texture.
• Baking sheets: Provide a flat surface for even baking; using multiple sheets allows you to bake several trays at once.

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Ingredients

For these Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies, gather the following ingredients:

For the Cookies

• 2 – 12 oz. jars maraschino cherries (drained (reserve juice), minced, squeezed VERY dry)
• 1 cup butter (softened)
• 1 cup vegetable or canola oil
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tsp. almond extract
• 2 tsp. cherry extract
• 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp. baking soda
• 1 tsp. cream of tartar

For the Icing

• 4 tbsp. butter (melted)
• 1/3 cup + 1-2 tbsp. maraschino cherry juice
• 1 tsp. almond extract
• 1 tsp. cherry extract
• 4 – 5 cups powdered sugar

For Garnish

• 1/2 cup slivered almonds

How to Make Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies

Follow these steps to create your delicious Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies.

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Cookie Dough

In a large mixing bowl:
1. Cream together the softened butter, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until smooth.
2. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
3. Stir in both almond extract and cherry extract.

In another bowl:
4. Whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, and cream of tartar.
5. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture until combined.

Finally:
6. Fold in the prepared maraschino cherries gently.

Step 3: Shape and Bake

Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop:
1. Drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart.
2. Bake in preheated oven for about 12–15 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
3. Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks.

Step 4: Make the Icing

In a separate bowl:
1. Combine melted butter with maraschino cherry juice, almond extract, cherry extract, and powdered sugar until smooth.
2. Adjust sweetness by adding more powdered sugar if needed.

Step 5: Ice Your Cookies

Once cookies are completely cooled:
1. Drizzle or spread icing over each cookie.
2. Sprinkle slivered almonds on top for garnish if desired.

Enjoy your delightful Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies with family and friends!

How to Serve Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies

These delightful Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether it’s a festive gathering or a cozy afternoon treat, here are some serving suggestions to enhance your cookie experience.

With a Cup of Tea

• Pair these cookies with your favorite herbal or black tea for a comforting afternoon snack.

Ice Cream Sandwiches

• Use two cookies with a scoop of vanilla or cherry ice cream in between for a delicious twist on dessert.

Gift Packaging

• Arrange cookies in decorative boxes or jars for thoughtful homemade gifts during the holidays.

Dessert Platter

• Create an inviting dessert platter that includes these cookies alongside other treats like brownies and fruit tarts.

Breakfast Treats

• Serve alongside fresh fruit and yogurt for a sweet breakfast option that feels indulgent yet light.

How to Perfect Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies

To ensure your Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies turn out perfectly every time, consider these handy tips.

• Use room temperature butter – This helps achieve the right texture, making your cookies soft and puffy.

• Do not overmix the dough – Mix just until combined to avoid tough cookies; overmixing can lead to dense results.

• Chill the dough – Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking to prevent spreading and enhance flavor.

• Check oven temperature – Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate baking temperatures, which is key for perfect cookies.

• Watch baking time – Bake until edges are lightly golden; this keeps them soft while ensuring they’re fully cooked through.

Best Side Dishes for Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies

Complement your Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies with these delightful side dishes. They add variety and balance to your cookie experience!

1. Fresh Fruit Salad – A medley of seasonal fruits offers refreshing flavors that pair well with the sweetness of the cookies.

2. Yogurt Parfait – Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a creamy, crunchy side that contrasts nicely with the soft cookies.

3. Cheese Platter – Include mild cheeses like Brie or Gouda, which provide a savory contrast to the sweet cookie flavors.

4. Nut Mix – A selection of roasted nuts adds crunch and richness, enhancing the overall taste experience.

5. Chocolate Dipped Strawberries – These sweet bites bring an elegant touch that complements the almond and cherry notes beautifully.

6. Homemade Whipped Cream – Serve alongside whipped cream flavored with vanilla or almond extract for dipping or topping cookies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Making overly wet dough: Ensure your cherries are squeezed very dry. Excess moisture can lead to cookies that spread too much.
• Using cold butter: Always start with softened butter for a better texture. Cold butter won’t blend well, affecting the cookie’s fluffiness.
• Ignoring proper measurements: Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups carefully. Incorrect amounts can alter the cookie’s taste and texture.
• Skipping chilling time: If the dough feels too soft, chill it for about 30 minutes. This helps maintain the shape while baking.
• Overbaking the cookies: Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes of baking. Remove them from the oven when they’re lightly golden around the edges.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container: This keeps them fresh for up to 1 week.
• Layer with parchment paper: Prevents sticking and maintains shape.

Freezing Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies

• Place in a freezer-safe bag: Remove as much air as possible for best preservation.
• Freeze for up to 3 months: Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Reheating Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Bake for about 5 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat individually for about 10-15 seconds. Enjoy soft and warm!
• Stovetop: Place in a pan over low heat for a minute or two, keeping an eye on them.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies?

Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies are soft, flavorful cookies featuring almond and cherry extracts, perfect for holidays or special occasions.

How do I store Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies?

Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to maintain freshness and flavor.

Can I freeze Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies?

Yes! They freeze well in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. Just thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

What variations can I make with this recipe?

You can customize these cookies by adding different extracts like vanilla or using chopped dried fruits instead of cherries for a different flavor profile.

Are Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies easy to make?

Absolutely! This recipe is simple and foolproof, making it great for bakers of all skill levels.

Final Thoughts

Cherry Almond Amish Sugar Cookies are not only delightful but also versatile. Their rich flavors and soft texture make them perfect for any occasion. Feel free to experiment with different extracts or add nuts for extra crunch. Try this recipe today and enjoy a sweet treat that everyone will love!